1. Acting Out - This could be biting, hitting, screaming, or anything out of the ordinary that signals something else is going on. 

2. Depressed - If you see your child constantly feeling down, tired, and not interested in playing with their favorite toys, this is a red flag.

3. Anxious - Being anxious is a large stress indicator. Watch out for any anxiety-driven responses or actions. Some of the common signs include fingernail biting, pulling their hair, grinding teeth, and being abnormally fidgety.

4. Upset Stomach and Headaches - If your child is complaining of an upset stomach or a pounding headache, yet clearly not sick, stress could be the culprit.

5. Frequent Nightmares - Though kids do get nightmares once in a while, if your child never had them before and suddenly gets them every night, it could a cause of concern.

Coping Mechanisms for Children

 It is imperative to teach your children how to manage and adequately cope with life stresses. Not only will it help them in their current state, but it will also give them excellent methods to use as they grow up to be functioning adults themselves.

Controlled Breathing - Breathing in a controlled manner has proven extremely beneficial to anyone who needs to self-reflect and lower stress levels. It works so well because it sends a message to your brain to relax and calm down. It is also something children can practice fairly easily, making it an excellent starting point for your little one.

Counting - Counting is a great distraction that can ease the burden of your child. Count with your child slowly until they calm down. You can also add in the controlled breathing mentioned above in between each number to obtain the maximum calming effects.

Communication - If your child is at an age where they can communicate relatively well, then it would be ideal to find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted so you can have a meaningful talk with them. Find out what is going on, how they are feeling, and if there is any way you can help them. Ask easy questions and give them time to answer.

Simplify the Schedule - Sometimes, children are stressed because they have way too much on their plate. Maybe they are signed up for a few different extracurricular activities that make it hard for them to juggle other aspects of their life. Take some of the unnecessary tasks off their shoulders to give them less obligated pressure and more personal time to play, explore, and be creative.